Bethany Oliver, Executive Director
Bethany taught in the Small Friends pre-k classroom for three years before becoming executive director in August of 2004. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a concentration in child development from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and a master’s degree in education from Lesley University in Cambridge Massachusetts. Her daughter Cate attends Small Friends and is currently in the preschool group at the Vesper Lane campus.
Annette McGrath, Administrative Assistant
Annette first joined Small Friends in 2001, and rejoined us in 2004. Annette has over 30 years of experience as a bookkeeper at many island businesses including Our Island Home and Madaket Marine. She attended the Chandler School for Women in Boston.
Jen Deehan, Director/Lead Teacher, Pre-K
Jen Dedham has been with Small Friends since 1992 when she began teaching at the Vesper Lane campus. She has worked with the pre-k group since September of 1995. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Delaware.
Sue Belanger, Lead Teacher, Infant Room
Sue has been teaching at Small Friends since May of 1998. She holds a bachelor’s degree in history as well as a certificate in early childhood education from Stone Hill College. Her daughter Amelia is currently in the pre-k group at Nobadeer Farm Road and her daughter Madeleine is Small Friends alum.
Marie Kimball, Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Marie joined Small Friends in September of 2004. Marie earned an associate’s degree in early childhood education from the New Hampshire Technical Institute of Concord, and has a wealth of experience working with young children in a variety of settings.
Joanne McAveety, Teacher, Infant Room
Joanne has been with Small Friends since 1999, as a teacher in the infant room. Joanne is originally from Belfast, Ireland where she attended the University of Ulster. Her daughter Katie is a Small Friends alum, and her daughter Amy Rose is currently part of our pre-k group at Nobadeer Farm Road campus.
Katherine Laffey, Teacher, Older Toddler Room
Katherine joined Small Friends in September of 2007. She attended the Palm Beach Community college where she studied art and education. She has several years experience teaching toddlers and preschool aged children
Anne Beman Nina, Assistant Teacher, Older Toddlers
Anne joined Small Friends in September of 2007. Her daughter Natayla attends Small Friends in the infant group. Anne has extensive experience in the mental health field working with families in crisis.
Kristina Dagesse, Assistant Teacher, Young Toddlers
Kristina joined Small Friends in June of 2007. Her daughter Samantha attends Small Friends in our young toddler group and her son Camden is enrolled in the pre-k group at our Nobadeer Farm Road campus.
Kay Ann Nelson, Assistant
Kay is a senior at Nantucket High School and is beginning her second year at Small Friends.
Samantha Jefferies, Assistant
Samantha is a senior at Nantucket High School and is beginning her second year at Small Friends.
